Lodi looking for a partner

Renan Lodi (22 years old) was one of Atlético's great revelations last season. The Brazilian left back He arrived in the summer from Atlético Paranaense in his country as a stranger to the vast majority of mattress fans. I had the difficult mission of replace one of Atlético's recent legends, Filipe Luis, and his performance in the left-handed lane of Atlético has made him not miss the now Flamengo player. In his first year under Simeone he has been one of the essentials for the technician, participating in 43 games among all competitions, in which he accumulated 3317 ' (the fourth outfield player who added the most minutes). He scored a goal and gave three assists.

Beyond his good performances, a fundamental factor for him to play so many minutes was that did not have a natural replacement in the squad. In the initial composition of the team members it was observed that the left back was the only position that was not doubled with two specific players. That meant that in the few absences from Lodi during the course (only did not participate in six games) the cholo I had to improvise, sometimes resorting to players who are not used to performing in that position. The options were, fundamentally, Saúl and Hermoso. The latter came from Espanyol and, at least, the position was somewhat more familiar to him, since he had played there in the beginning.

In December a new element was added to the equation: Manu Sanchez. The left-handed side of the mattress subsidiary debuted on matchday 17 at the Wanda Metropolitano against Osasuna and he also did it as a starter. However, it was not established as a real alternative to Lodi at that time. That step occurred after the stoppage due to the coronavirus. The fact of having to play the 11 days left to play in LaLiga in just one month forced Simeone to rotate his players frequently and Lodi could not be an exception. In addition, the number of players summoned (23) and changes (five) were increased, which made Cholo finally decide to bet on the youth squad as a replacement for the Brazilian. Of the 990 possible minutes, Lodi played 727 'and Manu 263' (two full games, one as a starter and the remaining one replacing the carioca).

This course, Atlético has decided that there will be a natural replacement for Lodi from the beginning and arose three alternatives: Own Manu Sánchez, Caio Henrique or a signing. The original idea of ​​the club was recover the Brazilian, on loan to the Guild, and that this one was the substitute of his compatriot when it was necessary. Therefore, The departure of Manu Sánchez on loan for this season was agreed with Osasuna. However, an unexpected guest appeared: the Monaco. The french they were interested in Caio and they decided to bet hard on his signing, offering eight million plus two in variables. The colchoneros, in need of income to pay for the incorporations they want, they accepted the Monegasque offer, changing their initial plans.

That caused the departure of the left side of the subsidiary to Pamplona will be paralyzed. In fact recently its renewal was announced until 2025, a sign that the club trusts him. This could suggest that he is the one chosen to alternate with Lodi in the left lane of Atlético, but earlier this month the name of Mathías Olivera emerged, Uruguayan side of Getafe, as a possible candidate for the position. Both clubs are negotiating, although the positions are far apart, since Atlético offers about five million euros and Getafe wants double and the inclusion of Mollejo. It is not even ruled out that Manu himself can enter the operation to make it cheaper and, in addition, to give those from the south of Madrid a substitute for the Uruguayan, who has a Spanish passport and, therefore, would not occupy an extra-community position. Therefore, it seems that, except for a change in the negotiations with Getafe, right now the youth squad would be in charge of carrying out the task of covering Lodi's back when this is missing. However, perhaps the rojiblanco club watch the market for a bargain that allows you to have a proven player in that demarcation.